Los Angeles — An affiliate of Z Capital Partners, L.L.C., the private equity management arm of Z Capital Group, L.L.C., a leading global alternative investment manager, has agreed to acquire the “original Rock ‘n Roll Mexican” restaurant brand, Pink Taco.
Z Capital Partners, the largest shareholder of Real Mex Restaurants, plans to leverage the Real Mex expertise across restaurant operations, marketing and branding to expand the Pink Taco brand, including the addition of new locations, and provide a strong platform for growth. Real Mex is one of the largest full-service, casual dining Mexican restaurant chain operator in the United States, with more than 100 company-owned and operated restaurants, as well as 13 franchised locations.
“Pink Taco is as original a concept as you can find,” says James Zenni, president and CEO of Z Capital and chairman of the Real Mex board of directors. “We believe there is tremendous potential to elevate the brand and expand its unique restaurant experience both domestically and internationally.”
Founded by a third-generation restaurateur, Harry Morton, at the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas in 1999, Pink Taco has been serving its hip spin on tacos and tequila for nearly two decades. With locations in Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada, Pink Taco is uniquely positioned as everything from the local haunt for Hollywood hipsters and celebrities to one of the most exceptional and fun places to party in “Sin City.”
Morton will continue to lead the Pink Taco creative direction. He will guide the strategic marketing of the brand, including the design and location of future restaurants, and the launch of Pink Taco-branded food and beverages for people to enjoy at home.
Pink Taco is the latest concept Real Mex has added to its portfolio as part of its brand innovation initiative under the leadership of its CEO Bryan Lockwood.
“The timing for Real Mex to expand its operations with the addition of Pink Taco has never been better,” adds Zenni. “With Bryan’s experience in both restaurant brand acquisition and brand incubation, he will lead the charge of redefining what Mexican restaurants can become with new and innovative brands and experiences.”
While Real Mex will oversee the daily operations of the Pink Taco restaurant in Los Angeles and the future direction of the brand, the Las Vegas restaurant will continue to be owned and operated by the Hard Rock Hotel. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016.
Pink Taco is a Mexican-themed restaurant chain founded by Harry Morton in 1999. For more information, please visit www.pinktaco.com.
Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., Real Mex Restaurants’ brands include El Torito Restaurants, Acapulco Mexican Restaurants, Chevys Fresh Mex® Restaurants, El Torito Grill Restaurants, Las Brisas Restaurant in Laguna Beach, Calif.; Sinigual Restaurant in New York City; El Paso Cantina in Torrance, Calif.; and Who Song and Larry’s Cal-Mex Cantina in Orange, Calif. For more information, visit www.realmexrestaurants.com.
Z Capital Partners, L.L.C. is the private equity management arm of Z Capital Group, L.L.C., a leading global alternative investment manager with approximately $2.3 billion of regulatory assets under management. For more information, visit www.zcap.net.
SOURCE: Z Capital Partners, L.L.C.